The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has authorized the release of an additional P3.681 billion in funding to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the continuous implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) nationwide.
The released fund is expected to benefit a total of 13,462 access point sites in various locations nationwide.
“By approving this additional budget within our calibrated fiscal program, we reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing inclusive and accessible internet for all,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement yesterday.
Part of the FPIAP is the building and maintaining of ICT infrastructure such as towers, data centers and internet connections.
It aims to maintain connectivity in public areas like schools, libraries, parks and transportation hubs, providing reliable internet services for education, work and daily life activities.
“With the budget released, we are hopeful that the DICT can proceed swiftly with the fund disbursement and expedite the program’s implementation,” Pangandaman said.
The additional fund is chargeable against the Special Account in the General Fund – Free Public Internet Access Fund (SAGF-FPIAF) for fiscal year 2024.
This is on top of the P2.5 billion allocated for the FPIAF in the current year which is expected to be fully obligated this month.
